Episodes
In this episode, Dermot Murnaghan talks to broadcaster Nick Owen about a career that began in local newspapers and led to national fame—culminating in his role at the heart of breakfast television during the 1980s. Nick shares how he helped rescue a failing TV-am, the unexpected promotion that made him front-page news, and what he learned working alongside Anne Diamond. He also speaks openly about his prostate cancer diagnosis, the surgery that followed, and why he’s now backing calls for a national screening programme. Nick also reveals: Why he nearly turned down TV-am—until a hotel TV in ...
In this episode, Dermot Murnaghan is joined by broadcasting legend Anne Diamond OBE, for a journey through journalism, personal loss, and untold wartime history. From turning around TV-am to uncovering her father’s secret role in inventing radar, Anne reflects on a career built on curiosity, compassion, and determination.She opens up about the behind-the-scenes battles at TV-am, being tabloid fodder in the '80s, and how tragedy spurred her to launch a public health campaign that saved tens of thousands of babies' lives.Anne also reveals:Why Dennis Healey stormed off live TV after challengin...
In this episode, Sir Trevor McDonald joins Dermot Murnaghan to reflect on a broadcasting career that spanned generations. From his early days in Trinidad to fronting News at Ten, he recalls the clashes and confidences that shaped a lifetime in journalism: arguing with Margaret Thatcher over Nelson Mandela, walking silently through Saddam Hussein’s palace, facing down George W. Bush in the Oval Office, and listening to the quiet wisdom of a newly freed Mandela.In this episode, Trevor explains:Why he once feared Thatcher would never speak to him againWhat happened when George W. Bush ended th...
In this episode, Jonathan Dimbleby joins Dermot Murnaghan to reflect on a career defined by the power of serious journalism. From the golden age of current affairs television to the frontlines of forgotten conflicts, Dimbleby was there when journalism reached millions and meant something.He looks back on the moments that shaped him: the famine footage he had to smuggle out of Ethiopia, the quiet clarity of interviewing a reluctant Prince of Wales, and the long-form political encounters that held leaders to account before time limits and soundbites took over.In this episode, Jonathan explain...
Joanna Gosling spent more than 30 years reporting the biggest stories of our time—but it was the quiet, human moments that finally got to her.In this episode, Joanna joins Dermot Murnaghan to reflect on the emotional toll of live news, the stories that stayed with her, and what it means when the person behind the headlines can no longer stay detached.From her first newsroom job with no experience to becoming one of the BBC’s most recognisable faces, Joanna shares how she built a career without shortcuts—and what finally made her walk away during the BBC’s painful news channel merger.In this...
Natasha Kaplinsky started her media career in the typing pool, and became one of Britain’s most recognisable broadcasters. In this deeply personal and candid episode, Natasha sits down with Dermot Murnaghan to revisit the defining moments of her career.From her early work with a then-unknown Sacha Baron Cohen to her breakout role on BBC Breakfast, Natasha reveals how she built a career without industry connections—writing daily letters just to get her foot in the door. Natasha opens up about being told exactly when (and if) she could speak on air, why she was so reluctant to join Strictly C...
He’s faced down Russian special forces, slipped into Chechnya disguised as a refugee, and shared a room with Nelson Mandela just days after his release. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the frontlines of Iraq, Jonathan Charles has seen history unfold—often from just feet away.In this gripping episode, the legendary foreign correspondent reveals:• The moment Putin emerged—and the chilling change it signalled• Why missing the fall of the Berlin Wall by hours still haunts him• What it’s really like to report in a firefight—and the moment he knew it was time to stop• How meeting Mandela over...
John Sergeant has reported from 25 countries, covered the Vietnam War and The Troubles, served as the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent for over a decade, and became ITV’s Political Editor before turning to documentaries and popular television. With bestselling books, acclaimed series like Britain’s Flying Past, and that unforgettable Strictly stint, his voice remains as distinctive—and entertaining—as ever.In this candid and often hilarious conversation, John reflects on: How he wanted to write jokes for a livingHis chaotic encounter with Margaret Thatcher moments before her resignationH...